In this investigation Ag, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by simple and low cost methods and then, they were coated at different concentrations on cotton fabrics. Finally, their morphology, photocatalytic properties and antibacterial activity were assessed. Among them, TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity under ultraviolet irradiations. The results revealed that the combination of Ag, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles causes the formation of Schottky barrier between metal (Ag) and semiconductors (ZnO and TiO2). Besides, the results indicated that anatase and rutile types of TiO2 nanoparticles form defect at the interface of the phases acting as an electron sink and prevent electron-hole recombination, and consequently improve photocatalytic properties. Moreover, the optimum photocatalytic and antibacterial activities were observed in the decorated fabrics containing 50 mg ZnO, 50 mg TiO2 and 7.34 mg Ag in 500 ml distilled water. This sample also showed higher antibacterial activity against Shigella than Salmonella Typhi.

Keywords